Discharge Planner

About Company:

We’re officially a Great Place To Work®! We’ve always believed that supporting our team is just as important as supporting our patients. Now, we’re proud to share that we’ve earned Great Place To Work® Certification - based entirely on feedback from our own employees.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/YQ1C50WuRH1

This certification reflects the culture we’ve worked hard to build - one rooted in trust, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership.

At Bradford Health Services, we are committed to providing exceptional care to our patients while fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace for our employees. We believe that taking care of our team allows them to take better care of others, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being.

Our benefits include:

• Medical Coverage – Three new BCBSAL medical plans with better rates, improved co-pays, and enhanced prescription benefits.

• Expanded Coverage – Options for domestic partners and a wider network of in-network providers.

• Mental Health Support – Improved access to services and a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) featuring digital wellness tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modules and wellness coaching.

• Voluntary Coverages – Pet insurance, home and auto insurance, family legal services, and more.

• Student Loan Repayment – Available for nurses and therapists.

• Retirement Benefits – 401(k) plan through Voya to help employees plan for the future.

• Generous PTO – A robust paid time off policy to support work-life balance.

• Voluntary Benefits for Part-Time Employees – Dental, vision, life, accident insurance, and telehealth options for those working 20 hours or more per week.

At Bradford Health Services, we don’t just invest in our patients—we invest in our people.

About the Role:

The Discharge Planner plays a critical role in coordinating and facilitating the safe and efficient transition of patients from healthcare facilities to appropriate care settings. This position ensures that each patient’s discharge plan is comprehensive, addressing medical, social, and emotional needs to promote optimal recovery and prevent readmissions. The Discharge Planner collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and external care providers, to develop individualized care plans that comply with regulatory requirements such as Medicaid. By assessing patient needs related to substance abuse treatment, housing needs, and aftercare desired by the patient, the Discharge Planner ensures continuity of care and access to necessary resources. Ultimately, this role supports patients and their families through education and emotional support, fostering a smooth transition and improved health outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience in discharge planning, case management, or social services within a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of Medicaid policies and procedures related to patient discharge and post-acute care.
• Familiarity with medical management, dialysis care, and long-term care planning.
• Strong emotional stability and ability to manage sensitive patient situations with empathy and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Case Management (CCM) or Discharge Planning.
• Experience working with mental health patients and coordinating behavioral health services.
• Advanced knowledge of community resources and social service programs.
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and discharge planning software.
• Additional training in patient advocacy or healthcare coordination.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ medical, social, and emotional needs to develop individualized discharge plans.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, social services, and community resources to arrange appropriate post-discharge care, including long-term care and dialysis services.
• Ensure compliance with Medicaid and other insurance requirements to facilitate coverage and authorization for post-acute services.
• Provide education and emotional support to patients and families regarding discharge instructions, follow-up care, and available resources.
• Maintain detailed documentation of discharge plans, patient progress, and communication with care teams to support continuity and quality of care.

Skills:

The Discharge Planner utilizes a combination of clinical knowledge and social service expertise to assess patient needs and develop effective discharge plans. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and providing emotional support to patients and families. Knowledge of Medicaid and insurance processes ensures that discharge plans are financially feasible and compliant with regulations. Case management and medical management skills enable the planner to coordinate complex care requirements, including dialysis and long-term care arrangements. Emotional stability and problem-solving abilities are critical for managing challenging situations and ensuring positive patient outcomes throughout the discharge process.